Allegra Hudson was murdered.

An anonymous “source” drops the note into Madeleine Barton’s lap exactly when she needs it most. The recently widowed single mother is struggling to make ends meet as a freelance reporter, and covering the mysterious death of local bestselling author and legend, Allegra Hudson, could be the career-launching story of her dreams.

Working with Allegra’s grieving husband, Connor, Madeleine plunges down the rabbit hole of Allegra’s privileged life. And the deeper she digs, the more dirt she finds—a conniving best friend, a stalker ex-boyfriend, and a marriage in shambles. The closer Madeleine gets to the truth, the murkier the waters become.

Her source’s looming presence and constant meddling in her investigation paired with her growing bond with Connor over their shared grief have blinded her to the facts, but they don’t explain why Allegra Hudson’s life feels so familiar. Only one thing is certain: Madeleine can trust no one.

One Little Word is a deliciously clever game of cat-and-mouse with a completely unexpected twist.